Luxury Holidays At Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco

For a truly unique experience, flushed with historical significance, look no further than Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco. Sympathetically adapted from a 16th century monastery, this splendid hotel is bursting at the seams with character and charm. Built in 1595, the building became a base for Catholic priests and, amazingly, the original artwork from this period still adorns its walls. Heavy wooden doors and courtyard gardens, bordered by dozens of stone archways, make for an unusual exterior, while guest rooms and suites are cosy and intimate, decorated in traditional Spanish Colonial style and look out onto the central courtyard or the city. The hotel boasts two restaurants, a bar and a therapy suite for massages and can organise a number of exciting activities, including cookery classes, art tours, treasure hunts for little ones, sightseeing tours of Cuzco and Pisco-tasting with the barman. Monasterio is located at an altitude of eleven thousand feet, so oxygen replenishment is a welcome in-room luxury for much of the accommodation, while the large roaring fireplace in the lobby accentuates the hotel’s homely appeal.